n the age of social media, it seems tempting to skip out on sending out holiday cards. I hope the holiday card tradition never comes to an end. I am not saying this because I am a photographer, but because I truly love receiving holiday cards each year. To me, receiving a card from a family member or friend is a gesture of love, warmth, and thoughtfulness. A post on Facebook can never replicate the actual feeling of holding a card in your hand. Just like the Christmas tree, the holiday card is a staple of holiday decor. I love seeing the way families have grown and evolved from year to year and I display the cards right in my living room area and we all love to look at them. I know for some, sending out the holiday card can be a bothersome task, but I am here to give you some tips to perhaps alleviate some of the stress.

My approach to newborn photography is a bit different than other photographers. As opposed to photographing baby in an array of props and outfits, I center my sessions around the family and their interaction with baby. I do this because I know that years from now when baby is grown, you are going to want images that capture those first few moments with him. I know sometimes as moms, we don't feel our best right after delivery and would rather not be in photos, but years from now you will be so grateful to have photos that document those precious first moments with your baby.

I have been in the process of renovating my studio here in Long Beach, NY and I am excited to reveal some of the changes. I want all of my studio sessions to have a very clean, modern, and polished look, so I have made some changes to the layout of the studio which will provide me the opportunity to do so.

My most recent addition to the studio is a gorgeous teal mid century velvet couch with which I am obsessed. It makes the perfect addition to the studio and will be a staple in my studio newborn sessions, as well as children’s portraiture. The couch will allow me the opportunity to get cozy and connected family images, as well as timeless images of babies celebrating their birthdays.

When my client first contacted me a few months ago, she was uncertain as to whether she wanted to book a studio session or an in home session. Last minute, she decided to go with the in home session and, of course, I was thrilled to be able to document her first moments home with her baby in the comfort of her gorgeous Babylon home.

The in home session is the most natural of all of the newborn sessions I offer. It is the perfect session for new moms because I come to you and it alleviates the stress of getting out of the house with a newborn. Furthermore, most clients feel more like themselves and at ease in the comfort of their own home, thus allowing me to capture the most natural images possible.

It is always a true honor to be asked to photograph a surprise proposal. Not only does photographing this type of engagement session require the client to have faith in my ability to capture the moment, he must also depend on my reliability during what is amongst the most intimate and joyous occasions that one can celebrate in life.

When I was contacted a few months ago by the groom to be, I knew that this engagement session was going to be really special and I was elated to be a part of it. With the help of his brother, the groom concocted a stellar plan to propose to his girlfriend at one of the best locations in the Long Island Region. The groom was planning his top secret proposal at Macari Vineyards in Mattituck. I can’t think of a better place to start the journey to marriage together.

I have been busy over the last few weeks photographing children and families outdoors in this gorgeous New York Fall weather.   I am having so much fun meeting new families and catching up with clients from last year.  The weather has been absolutely perfect!   

I have finally had a few moments to put together my November mini session schedule.   This year’s indoor set is a beautiful and classic rustic set. The rustic session is designed to resemble a log cabin and is decorated with vintage and rustic accents. I have added stands of globe lights to give the set a unique look. Children will also get to cuddle up beneath a holiday blanket and sip on some hot cocoa in the “cabin.”

I recently photographed this little cutie, who happens to share the same birthday as me.  I have photographed both her and her siblings before. Baby’s mom is super creative, so I love working with the family.  

Mom contacted me and wasn't sure if she wanted to schedule her daughter's first birthday session in the studio or outdoors. During the warmer months, I always encourage my clients to schedule their child's cake smash session outdoors. An outdoor session allows for more natural and organic images and no backdrop is more beautiful than that which Mother Nature can provide. Because mom had a boho themed session in mind, it made even more sense to choose an outdoor location for her daughter's first birthday photos.  

Although I love photographing newborns, six month sitter sessions are quickly growing to become my favorite type of session. Babies are so adorable at that age and their true personalities really starts to shine through, which means it is a great time time to update your photos of your little one.

When mom contacted me earlier in the Summer, she said she wanted to photograph her son outdoors on the beach for his six month session. As you all know, I prefer to shoot outdoors whenever the weather allows me to do so.

When my client said she wanted a session for her daughter's first birthday that was natural, I knew she had come to the right place. Don't get me wrong, I love studio birthday sessions, but if the weather permits, I always encourage my clients to choose an outdoor location of their choice. 

Outdoor locations allow you to get more "mileage" out of your photos. Not only are you getting photos of your child commemorating her first birthday, but you are also getting images that capture the natural essence of your baby.  These are timeless images that you can use not only for thank you cards, but to hang on your walls year round.

When my client contacted me a few months ago and asked if I would be willing to travel to Fire Island for a large family session with her in laws, I immediately said yes. Because I live in Long Beach and spend my time on the beaches here, I don't really travel over to Fire Island much anymore. In fact, the last time I visited was a few years ago on a girl's overnight trip to Ocean Beach. 

Because my client's father in law would be visiting from Hawaii to spend some time with his grandchildren, she wanted to book an extended session that included not only her own children, but her sister in law's family and of course, the special visitor, her father in law.  

Many times when clients first contact me about photographing their new baby, they are uncertain whether they want to book a studio session or an in home session. I offer both options and I love both types of sessions for different reasons.  

The in home session is the most natural of all of the newborn sessions I offer.  It takes place in your home and because every client's home is unique, the images will encapsulate their individual style and personality. When lighting allows, I try to incorporate the master bedroom, living room, and even the nursery for the photos of your baby. As moms, we work hard to create a beautiful home for our family and homes make the most unique and beautiful backdrops for newborn images.    

September is only a week away and that means it is time for my annual holiday mini sessions. I recently announced this year's family campfire sessions and now it is time for me to reveal this year's beach holiday session. I am thrilled to finally be able to share the details of this year's holiday theme and I think you are all going to love it as much as I do.  

Last year, we built a sand snowman together on the beach and this year, I invite your child to set sail with me into the holiday season with my nautical themed holiday session. Your child will board my handmade driftwood sailboat, which will be decorated with subtle holiday decorations and a strand of globe lights.  The boat will be placed along the shoreline to give the appearance that it is about to set sail.  Your child will even be able to hoist the sail of the boat!  

I am excited to announce the first of my series of holiday sessions for the 2018 season.  Not only am I offering a beach holiday session, but for the first time ever, I am offering a  family mini session. Although this session works for just children, I always encourage my clients to get into the frame with their children and this session is the perfect opportunity to get some fun family images.  

The campfire holiday session is not only unique, but it will be an interactive and fun experience for everyone. As a family photographer, my goal is to always provide you with an experience that allows you to connect and have fun with your children.  I chose this particular theme because a camping expedition provides the perfect opportunity for parents to have uninterrupted and quality bonding time with their children.  

Although the weather in August has been very tricky this year and I have had to reschedule most of my shoots due to rainstorms, I still believe that August is the ideal month to schedule a family session on the beach. The sun sets right over the shore line during this month and creates a magical sunset that is the perfect backdrop for your family photos.  

I have been photographing more family newborn sessions in my studio lately.  I love that so many families are opting for the family session because I believe it is so important to get in the frame with your newborn. I know sometimes as moms we don't feel our best right after delivery and would rather not be in photos, but you will want photos that document those precious first moments with your baby because they are gone in the blink of an eye. Besides, new moms are always gorgeous and always seem to be glowing.  

I met and photographed so many great families on the beach this Summer. What I love the most about sunset photo sessions on the each is the fact that every single session is unique. The sunsets are different each night and depending on the weather and the time of year, the colors fo the sky will take on different hues. The shoreline is constantly changing.  Some days it is replete with shells, other days seaweed, and even starfish. Living on the beach has given me such a new appreciation for nature and being a photographer has made me more conscious of weather patterns.

My client recently contacted me because she wanted to capture photos with her three sisters as a gift to her parents for their anniversary. I can't think of a more thoughtful and lasting gift to give a family member.  I was thrilled to be able to photograph my client again and to capture these images for her parents.

I love photographing extended families. The sessions are always filled with lots of love, energy and laughter.  This family was a blast to photograph and to say that beauty runs in the family, is an understatement.  

With the exception of the Winter months, I always encourage my clients to schedule their child's first birthday session outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than using nature as a backdrop and photographing outdoors allows me to capture your child exploring the world in a natural way.

To capture that soft and gorgeous golden light, I only schedule beach photos at sunset. I have recently been photographing families who have young children at sunrise. Because sunset is so late in the summer, this time of day seems to work better for toddlers. I will be the first to admit that getting up early enough to catch a sunrise at around 6 am is very difficult; however, the light at this time of day is absolutely breathtaking and I can't think of a better way to start your day than watching your child frolic and play in the sand while the sun is rising.   

Since launching the studio segment of my business last year, I have had the honor to work with many families and their newborn .  I always feel so privileged to be able to document those first moments for them. What many of my clients have told me about the studio is that they love that they were able to capture connected lifestyle inspired images with their baby as well as polished portraits.  I am thrilled that I can offer my clients such diversity in their galleries.

I have been busy photographing families this Summer on the beach and I love every second of it. There is no better way to spend the evening than on the beach watching the sunset and capturing the love and laughter of families.

I recently photographed these two cuties for a beach sunset session. These siblings were all smiles and did nothing but laugh, play and hug each other. It was really so sweet to watch and their laughter was contagious.